Charlene Hunt News

Citing a lack of preparation, bad weather and a mechanical breakdown as three important factors, the TSB today released its investigation report (M13N0001) into the loss-of-tow by the tugboat 'Charlene Hunt' of the [passenger ship] 'MV Lyubov Orlova' in waters off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador (NL). On 23, January 2013, bound for the Dominican Republic, the tug Charlene Hunt departed St. John's harbour towing the cruise ship Lyubov Orlova. The tug and tow travelled for approximately 19 hours, until they hit winds estimated at 40 knots and seas of 5 to 6 m. The heavy weather persisted and, at approximately 14:45 on 24 January, the towing arrangement between the tug and tow failed off Cape Race, NL.

Cruise ship 'Lyubov Orlova' broke free while on tow from St. John's NL, Canada for scrap in the Dominican Republic. In bad weather on 24, January  the towline parted, and the Canadian authority Transport Canada ordered the tugboat Charlene Hunt to return to port a few days later. Fearing possible collision of the drifting vessel with oil and gas installations off eastern Canada, the Lyubov Orlova was secured by the Atlantic Hawk anchor handler on the 31, January and was towed clear, however, a few days later Transport Canada decided the tow, now in international waters, should be releasd.